Mevlüde Duran, 18, Ranks 640th in Turkey’s YKS and Aims for Istanbul Law School

Eighteen‑year‑old Mevlüde Duran from the rural Kömürçukuru neighbourhood of Belen, Hatay, cared for six younger siblings while working in her family’s fields and tending goats. She studied for the university entrance exam (YKS) on the farm, using any free moment to read and watch videos.

Scoring 501 points in the equal‑weight stream, Duran placed 640th nationally in the YKS, the highest rank achieved by a candidate from her province. She graduated from İskenderun Paşa Karaca Anadolu İmam Hatip Lisesi and now hopes to enter Istanbul University’s Faculty of Law, saying she wants to become a “fair‑minded judge.” Duran emphasized the importance of women’s economic independence, stating, “Women who have economic independence and can express their thoughts freely should exist.”

Her achievement has been praised by her parents and local community as a testament to perseverance amid modest rural conditions.